The elbow isn't a single bone; it's a joint formed by three bones: the humerus, ulna, and radius.
Understanding the Elbow Joint
The elbow is a complex hinge joint, allowing for the bending and straightening of the arm. The three bones involved each have a specific role:
- Humerus: This is the bone of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow.
- Ulna: This bone is located on the pinky finger side of the forearm and connects to the humerus at the elbow. It's also a major part of the elbow joint.
- Radius: Located on the thumb side of the forearm, the radius also articulates with the humerus at the elbow and enables the forearm to rotate.
Cartilage and Movement
The ends of these bones, within the elbow joint, are covered with cartilage. This smooth, protective tissue allows the bones to move against each other with minimal friction, facilitating smooth movement at the elbow.
Conclusion
Therefore, there is no single "elbow bone". The elbow joint is formed by the humerus (upper arm bone), ulna, and radius (forearm bones).
